Sorority Recruitment at USC (California)

[USCTrojanPNM13]

Thank you both DubaiSis and adpiucf.

DubaiSis: Guessing from your username, were you an International Student as well?

adpiucf: Oh, I'm not from the UK! I've found a few threads for USC on What to Wear/Clothes; is that really so important? As for recruitment stories, USC doesn't seem to have many with happy endings!

As for Letters of Recommendation there doesn't seem to be a consensus. Some threads say I will need them; and some say it isn't an issue as long as you can confidently speak about yourself. So are they essential, especially if I am an international student. I don't think that would be too much of a problem if I started asking around now. Should I?

[adpiucf]

Here is a guide for USC recruitment attire. Yes, you want to adhere to their dress code and you should contact USC's Panhellenic Council with questions.

[DubaiSis]

Originally Posted by USCTrojanPNM13

Thank you both DubaiSis and adpiucf.

DubaiSis: Guessing from your username, were you an International Student as well?

I am utterly NOT exotic, having grown up in Iowa. But I lived in Dubai and have a lot of friends from around the world.

Presumably you are not a 3rd culture kid, so you will be experiencing this huge change for the first time. I'm glad to give you some private input about how things are different in Southern California than in Europe or the Middle East.

I haven't been involved in rush at USC so I can't say for sure, but my instinct is that they will like your interesting and different background. If I were you I would expound on that as much as I could on your application. While your school, activities, etc., won't be exactly the same, after reading here on GC, maybe you can find a way to translate it so you can get correct "credit" for being an active involved teenager in another part of the world. I would also make as clear as possible on the application and in person that you intend to complete your education at USC and are not here for a year and then going home. Bids are precious and they don't want to waste one on a girl who can't give a full 4 years to the collegiate chapter.

And (contrary to my typical opinion about recommendations) I would TRY to get some recommendations if you can. Your lack of familiarity with the process could be a hindrance, just because you don't know what you don't know. If you live somewhere with an American Women's Association, I would contact them and see if they could give you some help in preparation with sorority rush. They should be able to find you some members who can help. I can help you connect with them as well, if you like. You can start by going to www.fawco.org, although not all Women's clubs are part of this federation.